Month: May 2018

The term “farmhouse style” describes a home that is a bit different than it was a century ago. Back then, a farmhouse was just that, a house on a farm. It’s where the farmers lived. Today, it’s a very popular design for new homes and has dramatically broadened from a style standpoint. In fact, farmhouse style homes are being built throughout urban and suburban areas. And while the modern farmhouse style has definitely evolved from its days on the farm, its enduring appeal comes from the simple, clean lines, functionality and natural materials.

Latimer Farm House Plan- Weather Vane

If the farmhouse style is what you want out of your home, there are a number of exterior and interior key features that will make it so. First and foremost is the front porch. The front porch provides a nice transition from the exterior to interior. Back on the farm, shoes fresh from the fields needed to stay outside and the porch was that place. That may not be the case today, where a front porch allows for casual seating and a warm welcome.

Brookshire Manor House plan – Front Elevation

The farmhouse style floor plan gives ample room for a growing family with a large kitchen and dining area for entertaining. It usually features 3 plus bedrooms, a fireplace in the family room, a mudroom to keep coats, shoes and bags, and a covered back porch for additional living space. Vaulted ceilings and large windows for natural light are also telling elements of the farmhouse style.

Kensington Creek House Plan- Mud room

The kitchen is a place where the farmhouse style can really shine. A farmhouse style kitchen is large enough to be the central gathering room for the family and an area for dining and entertaining. A most recognized mark of the farmhouse kitchen, is the farmhouse sink. Originally the workhorse of the old farm kitchen, its distinctive style and large size make it a go-to sink for the farmhouse look. Other interior kitchen accents include the use of natural and rustic materials like shiplap and reclaimed wood. The farmhouse style kitchen’s large, open floor plan also provides room for a kitchen island and a sizeable dining table.

Ansley Cottage House Plan- Kitchen

Overall, the farmhouse style works nicely in an urban, suburban and even coastal location.
One of its most attractive attributes comes from its broad style flexibility. It’s clean and simple exterior and interior design allows for modern finishes and furnishings, as well as, the more traditional country décor. Anything with a handcrafted and practical look helps capture the farmhouse style. In our hectic, modern world, the farmhouse style has gained popularity as a way to connect and recapture the true essence of home. The farmhouse style represents an authentic and inviting American lifestyle, where the house is truly part of the family.

A little neighborly advice for choosing the right house plan.

Building a new home can be an exciting and sometimes daunting experience. However, deciding to start with a proven and well-crafted house plan is a great first step. Purchasing a house plan will go a long way to making your home building process less stressful and more successful.

To begin with, there are thousands of house plans available. Choosing the right one will make all the difference, not only to fit the needs of you and your family, but the homes marketability if and when you ever choose to sell. With a little planning before you pick a plan, you’ll be on the right path to laying out the welcome mat.

Tried and true considerations for choosing a house plan:

What are your lifestyle needs?

Do you have a family? If so, how big? You’ll need a certain amount of bedrooms and bathrooms. And if there are more children planned or relatives who visit often, you should also plan for that additional living space. The interior size needs of your future home is one of the most important factors when choosing a house plan.

Chestnut Springs House Plan- Kitchen and Keeping area

What’s your style?

From traditional to contemporary to rustic, there a many different house design styles.

And each style has its own type of house plan. Your furnishings, and neighborhood can also

affect the type of house plan you choose. For example, mid century modern furniture may not be suited for a traditional farmhouse style home.

Summerlake House Plan – Rustic Elevation

Where will your house live?

In addition to the surrounding neighborhood style, the size and shape of your lot is a major

factor when it comes to choosing a house plan. If you like the outdoors, you’ll need a plan that allows for outdoor space like a yard, garden, patio, decks or even a pool. A house plan

needs to comfortably fit the lot and the natural surroundings, while addressing additional

uses for your property. Factors such as the width and depth of your lot and whether it’s flat or

sloping will dictate the type of house plan. Also, if privacy is a concern, the right house plan

with the right layout is a must. Nobody wants to their kitchen staring into the neighbor’s

bedroom. And vice versa.

Falkirk Ridge House Plan – Courtyard

Got space?

Space and its uses are key when determining which house plan is best. Are you into cooking? Then maybe a house plan with a larger kitchen is a must. Will you need a home office, storage areas or other special interests that might call for certain space needs? These

usability details need to be considered not only for your enjoyment but future owners.

Northfield Manor House Plan- Office

Taking the time to carefully consider what you want out of your new home is guaranteed to make the whole building process easier. Choosing a house plan that fits these needs, pushes you to think about your house from the inside out. Elements like exterior details and interior finishes are easily adaptable to most house plans and are easier to plan once the floor layout, room count and lot orientation are nailed down. Think of them as the icing on your new, house cake.